Knoxvillegateway to the smokies

Rustic-yet-urban is the trend du jour, and Café 4 carries it as far as it will go, offering “Southern comfort food with a twist” such as fried green tomatoes made with heirloom varieties fresh from the garden. The appetizers here are so good, you can make a spectacular small plates meal without even moving on to the entrées if you’re on a budget, and leave satisfied and then some. The lobster mac ‘n’ cheese is not to be missed. Service is hip and knowing, yet friendly at the same time. If you come for breakfast or brunch, set your scruples aside and order the biscuits and gravy; you won’t be sorry.